Vaughan suffers Ashes setback

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan suffered a setback in his attempts to force his way back into the Ashes reckoning when he made just 12 playing for the MCC against county champions Durham on Sunday.

The 34-year-old is determined to claim the number three spot for the coming series against the West Indies and Australia, but with the squad to face the West Indians in the first Test due to be named next weekend, time is running out.

Vaughan's only consolation was that Ian Bell, another number three hopeful, was also out for 12 as the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season ended in a rain-affected draw at Lord's.

Yorkshireman Vaughan was dismissed by former Headingley colleague Mitchell Claydon - an Australian now qualified for England by virtue of his British passport - who believes the former skipper has a role to play in the Ashes.

"He is a class player, I saw that when I was playing for Yorkshire, so I am sure they (Australia) would rather see an England side without him," said Claydon.

"He's a big-game player. He proved that the last time the Ashes were here."